Method and Apparatus for Utilizing Representational Images in Analytical Activities

ABSTRACT

In a method and apparatus for performing an analysis and other activities using one or more two- or three-dimensional representational images, presenting a two- or three-dimensional representational image containing analytical information to assist in the analytical process. One or more two- or three-dimensional representational images are created, e.g., using standard photography, holography or computer imaging, and are placed in a positioner for use by the analyst. The representational images are illuminated using a light source and the analyst utilizes the information released from the representational image to perform an analysis.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/335,038, filed Oct. 30, 2001, U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/343,381, filed Dec. 21, 2001, and U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/343,374, filed Dec. 21, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for creating and usingrepresentational images, including holographic representational imagesin various activities, including, but not limited to, data analysis,short and long range planning, statistical analysis, projections,forecasting, strategic analysis, decision making, scheduling androuting. According to the present invention representational images,including holographic representational images may be used to enhanceaccurate analysis, facilitate improved presentation and comprehension ofinformation, and implementation and quality of tasks associated withsuch information, and reduce errors and misinterpretation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Representational images are very useful as a tool for providing andpresenting large amounts of information in a concise and understandablemanner for a wide range of analytical activities involved in industry,including, for example, data analysis, short and long range planning,statistical analysis, projections, forecasting, strategic analysis,decision making, scheduling, routing, strategic planning, changeimplementation and verification and quality assurance and control.Representational images may range, for example, from graphical charts,such as yen diagrams and pie charts to plotted information, such as,scatter diagrams.

There are many custom and off-the shelf software programs aimed atproviding 2-dimensional or virtual 3-dimensional visualization of datain various formats in order to allow for an accurate and enhancedability to analyze the data presented.

In the financial sector, with the continual growth in the amounts ofinformation available for analysis and increasing complexity of thefactors necessary for a proper analysis, and with the concern foraccuracy and thoroughness, many institutions have designed orimplemented systems to conglomerate the large amounts of data necessaryfor analysis into single or multiple charts and diagrams utilizing2-dimensional or virtual 3-dimensional visualization techniques. Thisinformation may be used for financial analysis, risk analysis,forecasting, risk arbitrage, trend analysis, etc.

In the geological exploration sector, sonar and high frequency scanningradar as well as photography is used to locate and identify highpotential geological formations of various desired elements. Theinformation generated by these tools may be presented as 2-dimensionalor virtual 3-dimensional images. Such information may also be used formapping and remote location and identification.

Each of these systems and techniques are severely limited since theforms of visualization supported by such systems and techniques do notprovide for the concise and effective presentation of sufficient amountsof the available data at any one time, thereby preventing a full andcomplete analysis of the data.

Despite the increase in the amounts of data able to be presented usingenhanced 2-dimensional and virtual 3-dimensional visualizationtechniques, there remains much room for additional improvement andfurther optimization in the presentation and visualization of such data.The present invention provides for further optimization in thepresentation and visualization of data through the use ofrepresentational images, including holographic representational images.

For example, information relating to a company's business may include aplurality of variables relating to customer purchases, such as, forexample, demographics, including, age, location, sex, time of year,price, etc. Using a standard 2-dimensional or virtual 3-dimensionalgraph or chart, only three (or perhaps four) of these factors may beincluded in the visualization, thereby limiting the analysis able to beperformed. To engage in a full analysis, multiple chart or graphs wouldhave to be provided, each containing only three or four parts of thetotality of the information available.

These are just some of the many areas where schematic diagrams orrepresentational images are currently being used, and where improvementsare possible and feasible through the use of representational images,including holographic representational images according to the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for creating and usingrepresentational images, including holographic representational images,and an apparatus for using representational images, to enhance accurateanalysis, facilitate improved presentation and comprehension ofinformation, and implementation and quality of tasks associated withsuch information, and reduce errors and misinterpretation.

The representational images described herein may be used as a ThreeDimensional Visual Map (3DVM) type of representational image presentedalone and/or together with a two-dimensional display, representationalimage and/or physical object. When presented alone, the 3DVM includesall of the information necessary for undertaking the desired analysisand facilitates the accurate analysis of the information. For example,when a 3DVM is used to analyze historic marketing information, suchinformation is presented as a true three-dimensional image in the formof a holographic representational image (HRI). Using conventionalholographic techniques, a true third-dimension can be added thereby atleast almost doubling the amount of usable information available. Usingthe process described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,347 (V-3D™), incorporatedherein by reference, an additional dimension may be added, for example,providing for the addition of the dimension of time into the analysis,and thereby significantly multiplying the amount of usable informationavailable.

When presented together with a two-dimensional display, representationalimage and/or physical object, the 3DVM may include certain information,such as, for example, the historical or static information, while thetwo-dimensional display, representational image and/or physical objectmay include certain other information, such as, for example, the realtime or dynamic information. Alternatively, the 3DVM may include thereal time or dynamic information, while the two-dimensional display,representational image or physical object may include the historical orstatic information. For example, when analyzing geological information,the 3DVM may include information relating to the Doppler, radar or sonarimages of the underground geological formations, for example, taken bysatellite, and the two-dimensional representational image or physicalobject may include information relating to the corresponding aboveground geological formations and/or depth information—simultaneously.

Another example, in the financial area, is where the 3DVM represents thestatic information, for example, relating to historical financialinformation about various companies, while the two-dimensional displayrepresents the dynamic information, for example, current price andvolume information and company news. Alternatively, the 3DVM may includeinformation relating to a certain market segment with different pointsrepresenting various companies in that market. When a particular pointor company is selected, that point may be expanded to provide furthertwo-dimensional or three-dimensional information relating to the companyor the market. One or more points may be expanded by selecting the pointusing a keyboard, a pointing device, touch screen or voice control orthrough other selecting means to provide additional two- orthree-dimensional information to the user. Alternatively, the point maybe viewed with the naked eye or through some sort of magnification orother viewing device, with the additional or expanded informationalready included in the 3DVM. The expansion of information in the 3DVMmay be accomplished using additional representational images designedinto the 3DVM, for example, in particular locations. The expansion ofinformation may also be accomplished by including magnification opticsin the system used to create the 3DVMs. The points of magnification canbe arranged, for example, to correspond to the particular pieces ofinformation for which expansion is desired, or to the particularlocations of such information.

The 3DVM may also be used to assist in the performance of financialanalysis or risk analysis with the possibility of adding an additionaldimension of time to the overall analysis. The 3DVM may representfinancial information and may be used to determine such things as, forexample, seasonal investment patterns, risk analysis or financialperformance. It can also be used to investigate change in risk dependingon the variation of certain factors. The 3DVM assists in the evaluationof financial information in a more efficient manner than previouslyavailable, since there is an additional level of information that may bepresented and the information may be visually observed in addition to,and possibly in conjunction with, the simple two-dimensional informationpreviously available. Instead of having to view multiple chartscomparing two or three pieces of information, a single 3DVM may beviewed to analyze that same information. Thus, the totality ofinformation is more easily understood and evaluated since it is comparedin a single visual model.

The 3DVM presents all of the information available in a singlethree-dimensional image that may be viewed without the need for anapparatus to assist in the visualization. Alternatively, an apparatusmay be used to assist with the visualization and/or to add further two-or three-dimensional information. The 3DVM utilizes the uniqueproperties of a hologram to capture in full 3-D, including depth, avisual image of the information being presented. The 3DVM will enablethe user to obtain a clear visual image of the information beinganalyzed or reviewed. The 3DVM also allow for clear and effective visualemphasis or instruction regarding the analysis to be performed withoutthe risk of translational errors, language impediments, or writteninterpretation, or other problems associated with comparisons of onlylimited portions of information and using multiple charts or diagrams.

A representational image may be created by manually or automatically,using conventional photography, conventional holography, V-3D™technology, by computer aided design, or by other methods now known ordeveloped in the future.

These representational images can be used in a manner that provides evengreater amounts of simultaneous information by superimposing it with athree-dimensional object and/or with a two-dimensional representationalimage (2DRI) or virtual three-dimensional representational image(virtual 3DRI) to provide additional information to the user. Thesuperimposition of the 3DVM with these objects or representationalimages may be accomplished, using, for example, an HRI in a frame orpositioning device, and providing the 2DRI using a slide or computerimage projector, an overhead projector, a high intensity computerdisplay, an optical combiner, a prismatic screen, a splitter, or someother form of image projection or display, including using a computercontrolled display, such as, for example, a liquid crystal display(LCD), a plasma display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, fiberoptics, or any other display that can either project an image orsuperimpose an image on an object using a light or other visible energysource, or allow light to pass through for projecting or superimposingan image of the displayed information directly or indirectly ortransmitting it to an operator or detector (e.g., machine visionsystem), thereby causing a superimposition or the appearance of asuperimposition of the image and the object (actual or virtual).

The representational images may also be created or prepared in onelocation and digitized and transmitted to a remote location, forexample, via the internet, a LAN, WAN or other intranet, or via astorage medium, such as, for example, CD-ROM, DVD, optical, magnetic,electronic or some other form of currently known or future developedstorage media or method of transmission or data sharing.

For example, where a flight controller is interested in seeing thescheduled flight patterns for a particular day of the week based onpre-filed and pre-scheduled flight plans a 3DVM may be created using,for example, V-3D™. This 3DVM could include multiple representationimages, each corresponding to a particular hour of the day. Each of therepresentational images would include all of the flight plans and flighttraffic for the particular hour represented by such image. The flightcontroller would thereby be able to have a visual image, for each hourof that particular day, of scheduled air traffic, thereby allowing aneffective and efficient analysis.

As another example, where a company is interested in planning its riskanalysis for a portfolio of assets, a 3DVM may be created with variousfactors plotted on a graph or chart. The 3DVM would include moreinformation than currently possible using 2-D imaging or virtual 3-Dimaging techniques because of the extra dimensions available throughholographic imaging. Thus, the risk analyst would have greateranalytical tools available to assess risk, and would be able to comparea greater number of factors in a single viewable image. Using V-3D™would provide even greater possibilities for risk analysis because ofthe further ability to add another factor or dimension, such as, forexample, time. Additionally, using the method described above, ofsuperimposing it with a 2DRI, would provide even greater amounts ofinformation for the analysis.

Geological exploration and mapping can be enhanced by the use of a 3DVMto map radar, sonar or other images obtained through a presently knownor future developed detection technology. The image may be reproduced asa true 3-D image, i.e., hologram, which can be projected onto a 2-D orvirtual 3-D representational image or display of a geographic location,for example, in the form of a surface map, or a physical object, forexample, a model of the geographic location. Optionally, a physical orimaged depth guide may be provided to allow for confirmatoryidentification of underground geological characteristics correspondingto the projected holographic image. Using the 3DVM alone or inconjunction with the 2-D image and/or model (and optionally, the depthguide), an analysis may be performed with respect to the identificationand/or mapping of a geological formation, for example, an undergroundore or oil deposit or a previously undetected or uncharted fault line,with the added benefit of being able to provide context and a precisegeographic location.

For geographical and/or topographical mapping, in space, subspace,aboveground, at the surface and/or underground mapping, above water, atthe surface and/or underwater mapping, and similarly for locating,identifying and/or tracking objects in those regions, and for performingany type of analysis using information derived from those regions,enhancements may be achieved using a 3DVM in which a combination oftechnologies, such as, for example, radar, doppler radar, sonar, loran,satellite data, all types of photographic or photogrammetric methods ordevices, magnetic flux detecting technologies, gravimetric technologies,and all acoustic and visualization technologies or techniques currentlyknown or future developed, along with the information derived from suchtechnologies or from the object being mapped, located, identified ortracked, including, for example, electromagnetic signals and theirderived origins, heat signals, computer generated data, projectedlocation plots or maps, radiation, shock waves and acoustic informationare used to provide the information that forms the images for theanalyses. These various types of information may be included in the 3DVMusing, for example, coloration, shaping, lighting or illuminationtechniques to identify the particular source of information of thevarious types of information being displayed. Additionally oralternatively, the various types of information may each be displayedindependently, for example, sequentially, through the use of V-3D orother holographic technologies, by, for example, controlled or selectiveillumination of the 3DVM, which could be accomplished, for example,through the use of light of selected wavelengths, variation in the angleof illumination or location of the 3DVM, and variation in observerposition.

For urban, suburban, rural, land use, public works, structural,architectural, utility, thermodynamic, hydrodynamic, product, and othertype of activities relating to impact assessment, development, planning,design, ergonometry, assessment, and/or analysis, and any other types ofanalyses using information derived from those modalities or sources,enhancements may be achieved using a 3DVM in which a combination oftechnologies, such as, for example, radar, doppler radar, sonar, loran,satellite data, all types of photographic or photogrammetric methods ordevices, magnetic flux detecting technologies, gravimetric technologies,and all acoustic and visualization technologies or techniques currentlyknown or future developed, along with the information derived from suchtechnologies or from the object being developed, planned, designed,assessed, and/or analyzed, including, for example, electromagneticsignals and their derived origins, heat signals, computer generateddata, projected location plots or maps, radiation, shock waves andacoustic information are used to provide the information that forms theimages for the analyses. These various types of information may beincluded in the 3DVM using, for example, coloration, shaping, lightingor illumination techniques to identify the particular source ofinformation of the various types of information being displayed.Additionally or alternatively, the various types of information may eachbe displayed independently, for example, sequentially, through the useof V-3D or other holographic technologies, by, for example, controlledor selective illumination of the 3DVM, which could be accomplished, forexample, through the use of light of selected wavelengths, variation inthe angle of illumination or location of the 3DVM, and variation inobserver position.

For structural, micro-structural, materials application, stress,molecular, magnetic, electronic, thermodynamic, electrostatic,electrodynamic and other type of activities relating to development,modeling, design, assessment, evaluation and/or analysis, and any othertypes of analyses using information derived from those modalities orsources, enhancements may be achieved using a 3DVM in which acombination of technologies, such as, for example, microwave, dopplerradar, sonar, all types of photographic or photogrammetric methods ordevices, x-ray, radiation detection, magnetic flux detectingtechnologies, and all acoustic, visualization and crystallographictechnologies or techniques currently known or future developed, alongwith the information derived from such technologies or from the objectbeing developed, modeled, designed, assessed, evaluated and/or analyzed,including, for example, electromagnetic signals, heat signals, computergenerated data, radiation, shock waves, magnetic flux and acousticinformation are used to provide the information that forms the imagesfor the analyses. These various types of information may be included inthe 3DVM using, for example, coloration, shaping, lighting orillumination techniques to identify the particular source of informationof the various types of information being displayed. Additionally oralternatively, the various types of information may each be displayedindependently, for example, sequentially, through the use of V-3D orother holographic technologies, by, for example, controlled or selectiveillumination of the 3DVM, which could be accomplished, for example,through the use of light of selected wavelengths, variation in the angleof illumination or location of the 3DVM, and variation in observerposition.

According to the present invention a holographic representational image(HRI) that makes up the 3DVM may be created using a variety ofholographic techniques, including traditional holographic techniques,and V-3D™ as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,347. The HRT is created ina manner in which it can be integrated into the task or analysis that isto be accomplished, in some instances with the HRI superimposed on aseparate 2-D or virtual 3-D representational image or display and/or ona physical object. The task or analysis is then performed in a mannerwhereby the HRI and the information contained therein are used toimprove the efficiency and effectiveness of the task and/or analysisbeing done, for example, by using the HRI to identify or verify theinformation necessary for the analysis.

For example, for the purposes of performing a risk analysis, a 3DVMcomprised of an holographic representational image (HRI) containingcertain financial/investment information may be created. Thisfinancial/investment information may relate to any variety of businessinformation or compilations of information, including, but not limitedto types of investments, i.e., stocks, bonds, options, etc., weighting,alpha, beta, P/E ratio, etc. The risk analysis may be performed using anumber of 3DVMs depending on the amount of information being consideredas part of the analysis and the necessary comparisons to be made. Forexample, if three key factors are being compared, the need to clearlyview each piece of information would take precedent and a 3DVMcontaining just such information could be created. Alternatively, ifadditional information would assist in the analysis of the three keyfactors, it may be added to the 3DVM in various ways, such as by varyingcolor, varying shapes, etc., or by utilizing a 2-D or virtual 3-Drepresentational image in conjunction with the 3DVM. To provide for theadditional factor of time, the 3DVM can be created using the V-3D™technology.

As another example, the information obtained using the various methodsof and technologies for information gathering and generation may becombined into a single 3DVM using V-3D™. The information that isgathered or generated, and processed using each of the various methodsand technologies, in any number or combination, may be combined byinterspersing strips or blocks of data from each and creating a single3DVM which will display all of the information gathered or generated.Alternatively, the various pieces of information may be pre-processed toprovide an enhanced series of images to be used in the generation of the3DVM. The pre-processing may involve the synergistic consideration ofvarious sources of information that potentially would contribute to thefinal series of images generated by the system. This is similar to theway a human perceives objects, using not only vision, but also othersenses, including hearing, smell and touch. For example, doppler radarmay provide information relating to the shape, density and approximatesize of a particular object or location, however, it could not provideinformation relating to particular features of the object, such ascolor, surface details, relativistic details, etc. Optical (visualbased) systems such as cameras could provide more details regardingcolor, shadows, and other surface details. Combining the informationgathered and generated using these two methods/technologies wouldprovide a more clear, detailed and accurate view of the object orlocation under consideration. The pre-processing combines theinformation provided by these sources and provides a single output ofdata to be used to generate the series of images to be used in thegeneration of the 3DVM. These images contain much more information thanan image generated using any single method of or technology forinformation gathering and generation.

For a single or multiple stage analysis, single 3DVMs, multiple 3DVMs,compound 3DVMs, or any combinations thereof may be used. Alternatively,the 3DVMs can be used in conjunction with a single 2-D or virtual 3-Drepresentational image, multiple 2-D or virtual 3-D representationalimages or compound 2-D or virtual 3-D representational images. For eachstage of the analysis, the type of 3DVM or 2-D or virtual 3-Drepresentational image used may vary depending on the number and typesof analyses to be performed. Single 3DVMs are 3DVMs having one imagecontained therein. Multiple 3DVMs is a group of single 3DVMs, eachrepresenting one of multiple analytical tasks performed at a singlestage of the multiple stage analysis. Likewise, multiple 2-D or virtual3-D representational images is a group of single 2-D or virtual 3-Drepresentational images, each representing one of multiple analysesperformed at a single stage of the multiple stage analysis. A compound3DVM is a single 3DVM containing multiple images. A compound 2-D orvirtual 3-D representational image is a single 2-D or virtual 3-Drepresentational image containing multiple images. Compound 3DVMs and2-D or virtual 3-D representational images will be described in greaterdetail below.

Where a single 3DVM or 2-D or virtual 3-D representational image is usedat a stage of an analysis, one or more pieces of information may beincluded in the 3DVM or 2-D or virtual 3-D representational image. Forexample, if there are three factors to be analyzed, such as, forexample, in a geological analysis, depth, density and area, depth andarea may be represented by the holographic image, and density, forexample, by variations in color, all in a single 3DVM and/or 2-D orvirtual 3-D representational image. The analyst must be able todistinguish between the various colors and identify the image in the3DVM and/or 2-D or virtual 3-D representational image to accomplish theanalysis effectively.

Where multiple 3DVMs or 2-D or virtual 3-D representational images areused for the analysis, various pieces of information may be included ineach, to allow for a comparison of different groups of factors ordifferent scenarios using the same or similar conditions or possiblydifferent conditions, or to change specific factors so as to comparepotential outcomes. Multiple pieces of information may be included ineach of the 3DVMs or 2-D or virtual 3-D representational images. Forexample, if there is a risk analysis the purpose of which is todetermine the structure having the lowest risk and highest return, witha range of allowable risk and a minimum required return, various inputsmay be varied to help identify the best structure. To accomplish thisgoal, multiple comparisons must be made, each comparing multiple inputs,with some varying and others remaining the same. For each variation aseparate 3DVM may be created so that the various factors may be visuallyanalyzed to provide a better understanding of the effect of particularvariations. If, for example, there were four alternative scenarios orpossible variations, the analyst would require four separate 3DVMsand/or 2-D or virtual 3-D representational images to provide the fullarray of information regarding the four comparisons necessary tocomplete the analysis. The 2-D or 3-D representational images may beused in conjunction with the 3DVMs to allow the analysis to compareadditional static or variable factors along with the informationprovided in the 3DVM without the need for additional 3DVMs, andconsequently additional comparisons.

For example, the analyst can use multiple 3DVMs by switching betweeneach of the single 3DVMs. This can be done automatically, such as, forexample, by rotating a positioning device in which each of the 3DVMs ispositioned, or manually, such as, for example, by the analystpositioning each individual 3DVM for viewing, one at a time or alltogether, for example, side by side.

Using multiple 3DVMs may be difficult at times since the amount of spaceavailable may be limited, or it may require, for example, the physicalswitching or moving of the 3DVMs from one location to another and orrepositioning of the 3DVMs (or of the 2-D or virtual 3-Drepresentational images). To reduce or eliminate these physicalconstraints, compound 3DVMs may be used. By using a compound 3DVM themultiple replacement or repositioning of the 3DVMs during the analysisprocess may be accomplished effectively and efficiently. A compound 3DVMis a single 3DVM having multiple sets of information contained therein.Each of the sets of information contained in a compound 3DVM may beaccessible in a number of different ways, including, for example, byviewing the 3DVM at different angles or positions, by viewing the 3DVMunder lights of different wavelengths, by viewing the 3DVM fromdifferent distances, by placing the 3DVM at different distances from theworkpiece, and by illuminating the 3DVM at different angles. A compound3DVM can be created using the V-3D™ process or conventional holography.A compound 2-D or virtual 3-D representational image can be createdusing conventional photography, printing, or using a computer controlleddisplay, such as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasmadisplay, a light emitting diode (LED) display, or any other display thatcan either project or superimpose an image using a light or othervisible energy source, or allow light to pass through for projecting orsuperimposing an image of the displayed information.

To create a compound 2-D or virtual 3-D representational image using asingle transparency, the two-dimensional information is first scananalyzed into the necessary sub-components, for example, vertical orhorizontal stripes. These sub-components are correlated with one or morelenticulated lens elements. The sub-components from a first set of twodimensional information can then be interposed with the sub-componentsfrom a second set (or more sets) of two dimensional information in afixed relationship. The resulting series of sub-components, for example,stripes, are situated in a predetermined spatial relationship to thelenticulated lens/filter, for example, by laminating or printing thestripes in register with the lenticulated lens/filter. The resultingcompound 2-D or virtual 3-D representational image will present each ofthe sets of two-dimensional information, for example, images, to theprojection optics (which can be similar to that from a slide projector)when the lenticulated side of the 2-D or virtual 3-D representationalimage is illuminated from a particular off-axis angle.

A compound 2-D or virtual 3-D representational image using a singletransparency may also be created using color separation techniques, forexample, by providing the representation of each set of two dimensionalinformation in a different color or corresponding to a differentwavelength of light. The projection optics would then present each ofthe sets of two-dimensional information using a light source of adifferent color or wavelength, for example, by using colored filters.

After creation of each 3DVM to be used in the analysis process, the3DVMs must be physically arranged so that the information contained inthe 3DVMs, for example, information regarding certain financialinstruments, such as risk factors for each stock in a stock portfolio,may be utilized by the analyst. This may be accomplished by removablypositioning each of the 3DVMs at their proper location corresponding toa stage of the analytical process. (The 2-D or virtual 3-Drepresentational image may be placed in a predetermined positioncorresponding to the 3DVM, which may be fixed or adjustable by theanalyst. The 3DVM is then coupled to, or positioned on or in a mountingor positioning device, which is either fixed or adjustable, at somepredetermined or adjustable distance from the 2-D or virtual 3-Drepresentational image.) The 3DVM is then coupled to, or positioned onor in a mounting or positioning device, which is either fixed oradjustable. A light source is then positioned in such a way that itprovides for the information contained in the 3DVM to be utilized by ananalyst, for example, by projecting the 3DVM information a predetermineddistance from the plane of the 3DVM so that the information containedtherein can be viewed and analyzed. These steps may be repeated for eachstage of and step in the analytical process, or for as many stagesand/or steps as desired.

Thus, the analytical process will include a new source of informationfor the analysts that will provide improved guidance, for example,through the use of a 3DVM type of representational image presented aloneor in conjunction with an additional 2-D or virtual 3-D representationalimage. This 3DVM representational image can be used by the analyst toidentify the information necessary for the analysis, for example, thecomparative financial information or the change over time or based on avariation of a particular factor. The 3DVM utilizes the uniqueproperties of the hologram to capture in full 3-D, the financial chartsand comparative information sought to be presented to aid in theanalysis.

For an analytical process having multiple analyses or tasks, forexample, in the selection of a particular financial portfolio, where aparticular group of equities is selected during the first analysis, inmultiple steps, a particular group of fixed income securities duringanother analysis, also in multiple steps, etc., one or more 3DVMs may beused for each analysis, thereby requiring multiple 3DVMs to be used toaccomplish the necessary analysis for each individual step. Toaccomplish the various analyses, the analyst is provided access to theinformation contained in each 3DVM and is able to cycle or switchbetween each of the multiple 3DVMs that are utilized. This may beaccomplished by successively displaying the various 3DVMs and allowingthe analyst to view and analyze the information contained in each 3DVM,before displaying the next 3DVM. For example, by using a mounting orpositioning device with a rotating portion, the various 3DVMs may becoupled to, or positioned on or in a mounting or positioning device,which is either fixed or adjustable, (and which may be positioned atsome predetermined or adjustable distance from a 2-D or virtual 3-Drepresentational image). As the rotating portion rotates within a planesubstantially parallel to the plane in which the virtual image is to beviewed (or in which the various 2-D or virtual 3-D images can be movedinto a position at which the information from the 2-D or virtual 3-Drepresentational images can become substantially in register with the3DVM image). A light source is positioned as described above in a mannerthat will allow the information contained in the 3DVM to be utilized byan analyst, for example, by projecting the 3DVM information apredetermined distance from the plane of the 3DVM so that theinformation contained therein can be viewed and analyzed. When theanalyst has completed the required task, the apparatus may be rotated soas to move the next 3DVM into the proper position for the next analysis.

When a compound 3DVM is used to provide the representational images tobe used for the analysis, the different sets of information contained inthe compound 3DVM may be accessible by viewing the 3DVM at differentangles or from different positions. This may be accomplished by placingthe 3DVM in an adjustable positioning device. The positioning device maybe adjustable by fixed or variable increments. After the first set ofinformation is accessed by the analyst through illumination of the 3DVM,as described above, the 3DVM may then be repositioned, for example, bymoving the 3DVM horizontally, vertically, diagonally or a combinationthereof. The 3DVM is then illuminated again to allow the analyst toaccess the next set of information. This process is continued until allof the information contained in the 3DVM necessary for the analyst toaccomplish each required step or task is accessed.

Accessing the various sets of information in a compound 3DVM may also beaccomplished by viewing the 3DVM under lights of different wavelengths.First the 3DVM is placed in a positioning device, as described above.The 3DVM is then illuminated using a light source of a firstpredetermined frequency. This allows the analyst to access the first setof information contained in the 3DVM. After the analyst has completedthe step for which the first set of information was accessed, the 3DVMis illuminated using a light source of a second predetermined frequency.This process is continued until all of the information contained in the3DVM necessary for the analyst to accomplish each required step or taskis accessed.

Accessing the various sets of information in a 3DVM may also beaccomplished by viewing the 3DVM from different distances. First the3DVM is placed in a positioning device, as described above. The 3DVM isadjusted to a position at a first predetermined distance from areference point, i.e., a first predetermined focal point. This allowsthe analyst to access the first set of information contained in the3DVM. After the analyst has accessed the first set of informationthrough illumination of the 3DVM, as described above, the 3DVM is thenrepositioned, for example, by moving the 3DVM toward or away from thereference point, i.e., to a second predetermined focal point. The 3DVMis then illuminated again to allow the analyst to access the next set ofinformation. This process is continued until all of the informationcontained in the 3DVM necessary for the analyst to accomplish eachrequired step or task is accessed. Alternatively, the various sets ofinformation contained in a 3DVM may be accessible by viewing the 3DVMfrom different distances from the plane of the 3DVM, or by moving areference object toward or away from the 3DVM. To provide for this typeof viewing, the 3DVM must be created with the different sets ofinformation at different distances or focal points from its surface,with a corresponding change in the light source distance or projectionoptics.

Accessing the various sets of information in a 3DVM may also beaccomplished by illuminating the 3DVM at different angles. This may beaccomplished by placing the 3DVM in a positioning device. The lightsource used to illuminate the 3DVM may be adjustable by fixed orvariable increments or multiple adjustable light sources may be used.The light source is placed in a first predetermined position, or a firstlight source (located at a first predetermined position) may be used.The 3DVM is then illuminated allowing the analyst to access the firstset of information located therein. After the analyst accesses the firstset of information, the light source may then be repositioned, forexample, by moving the light source horizontally, vertically, diagonallyor a combination thereof, or a second light source may be used.Alternatively, the 3DVM may be repositioned. The 3DVM is thenilluminated again to allow the analyst to access the next set ofinformation. This process is continued until all of the informationcontained in the 3DVM necessary for the analyst to accomplish eachrequired step or task is accessed.

Utilizing a 3DVM, a multiple stage analytical process may beconsolidated into a single stage and/or numerous steps of an analyticalprocess may be consolidated so as to be accomplished by a single analystin a single step, thereby reducing the analytical time or the number ofanalysts.

The language free aspect of the 3DVT is also significant considering theexpanding use of a multinational workforce, and the cost savingsassociated with translating information.

Data for use in the system according to the present invention may beobtained by any number of methods, including utilizing conventionalsources of data identification and collection, such as, for example,satellite, radar, Doppler, sonar, ultrasound, just to name a few. Forexample, detection of above and below ground features may beaccomplished utilizing radar (Doppler), high resolutionphotography/video, seismic, sonar and lasers. A detection system (e.g.,a matrix) of seismic or sonar probes may be deployed to provide datarelating to underground density, cavities, underwater features, andother features. The probes may be inserted or positioned below surface,for example, using drilling equipment, or deployed by aircraft,watercraft, underwater craft, or surface craft, with transmittersremaining positioned above the surface or at the surface.

A seismic resonator may be deployed through a controlled explosion,above or below surface level, for example, by a bomb dropped from anaircraft, or an explosive device inserted below ground level. The systemidentifies the below surface features by detection of the seismic wavesand processing of the detected information. The data collected by theprobes, including GPS position, time stamp and seismic signal record (asa result of the controlled explosion) may be processed or transmitted toa base station for processing or stored in on-site or remote datastorage devices for collection and processing. Alternatively the datamay be analyzed by hardware or software in the probes, at the surface,above the surface or in any other location.

Upon deployment of the probes below surface a transmitter may bemaintained at or above the surface. For example, the probe deploymentdevice may release one or more anchors just prior to or at the point ofsurface penetration and may provide for the unwinding of a cable whichis dragged below the surface along with the probe to maintain electricalcontact with the probe for uploading of data.

The system and method according to the present invention is able tolocalize and map the generated information and the generated informationmay be represented by a 3-D visualization in hard or soft copy. Theinformation provided will identify the above and below ground features,including concealed cavities, using multi-modal data and advancedvisualization techniques. The system and method according to the presentinvention is further able to add a time variation component to theimaged data for target destruction, modification or verification.

The apparatus and method according to the present invention alsoprovides for data collection and analysis through unmanned surveillanceand exploration of concealed cavities and hazardous areas utilizingvarious types of manned and unmanned crafts or vehicles, such as, forexample, a miniature hovercraft, mobile robot (HoverBot) equipped withan ultrasonic transmitter/detector system for no-light explorationand/or an infrared camera and light source. To provide bi-directionalinformation and image feedback capabilities, a fiber relay, such as, forexample, a fiber optic cable may be unwound or miniaturetransmitters/relays may be deployed intermittently to provide for anuninterrupted data flow/transfer. The transmitters/relays may bedeployed from the HoverBot at selected intervals or locations to providefor continuous, uninterrupted transmission/relay of information to abase station or control location. The system may operate independentlyor under the control of an operator.

The apparatus and method according to the present invention provides formapping, surveillance and intelligence gathering and analysis and hasthe capability of being retrofitted for target location and elimination,through the use of toxins, explosives or other weaponry.

Concealed cavities and hazardous areas may be mapped using various datagathering apparatus that collect various types of data, such as, forexample, ultrasound information, gyroscopic information, direction anddistance information, GPS, and/or video/audio data. Data may betransmitted or captured using data storage or transmission devicesincorporated with the apparatus or located remotely to the apparatus.Targets may also be located or identified by comparison to a storeddatabase of information, and then eliminated using a variety ofweaponry, including release of gas or toxins, explosives or otherweapons systems if a correlation is confirmed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1( a) shows a two-dimensional graph (x-y axis) of certain financialinformation as presented by the prior art.

FIG. 1( b) shows a two-dimensional graph (x-z axis) of certain financialinformation as presented by the prior art.

FIG. 1( c) shows a two-dimensional graph (y-z axis) of certain financialinformation as presented by the prior art.

FIG. 2 shows a virtual representation of a 3DVM of the financialinformation from FIGS. 1( a), 1(b) and 1(c) as presented according to afirst exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a virtual representation of a 3DVM of the financialinformation from FIGS. 1( a), 1(b) and 1(c) as presented in conjunctionwith a real time two-dimensional display, according to a secondexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of an analytical operation, using the 3DVMof FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of the deployment of a data generating andcapturing device according to a first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of the deployment of a data generating andcapturing device according to a second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1( a), there is shown a chart according to theprior art for presenting information relating to certain financialinformation. In FIG. 1( a) the x-axis represents the level of α risk forequity based securities at a fixed point in time, and the y-axisrepresents the level of β risk of those same securities at the samepoint in time. Each of the symbols depicted in FIG. 1( a) represents anequity based security and is located at a position representative of itsα and β risk. In the view presented, the risk is fairly easy tocharacterize. However, a very limited amount of information can bepresented in such a chart because of the lack of depth of field. FIG. 1(a) by itself is a fair representation of the capabilities of the priorart for providing and displaying this information for analyticalpurposes.

In FIG. 1( b) there is shown a chart where the x-axis represents thelevel of a risk for equity based securities at a fixed point in time andwhere the y-axis represents the share price at that same point in time.When FIG. 1( a) is viewed in conjunction with FIG. 1( b), however, aclearer financial picture of the equity based security emerges becausethe share price can be compared to the level of alpha risk and the alpharisk could then be used to identify the beta risk.

In FIG. 1( c) there is shown a chart where the x-axis represents thelevel of β risk for equity based securities at a fixed point in time andwhere the y-axis represents the share price at that same point in time.When FIG. 1( a) is viewed in conjunction with FIG. 1( c), a clearerfinancial picture of the equity based security also emerges because theshare price can be compared to the level of beta risk and the beta riskcould then be used to identify the alpha risk. Furthermore, FIGS. 1( a),1(b) and 1(c) can all be viewed together which would make it much easierto arrive at a clear understanding of the information provided.

Prior to the present invention, this was the means for accomplishing afinancial analysis, which required the use of multiple charts ordiagrams, as represented by FIGS. 1( a), 1(b) and 1(c). The prior artalso allowed such information to be presented using a two-dimensionaldisplay that attempted to present information in pseudo-three dimensionsusing shading and other techniques. According to the present invention,FIGS. 1( a), 1(b) and 1(c) are incorporated into a single 3DVM which iscreated using holography. This provides the viewer with true3-dimensional depth of field perception so that all of the informationcan be viewed and analyzed using a single representational image. Thisnot only saves time in performing the analytical process (it requiresthe viewing of only one image as opposed to three), but also providesmore information at a single time and location for performing theanalysis.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a virtual 3-dimensionalrepresentation of a 3DVM according to the present invention thatincludes all of the information provided in the charts shown in FIGS. 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c). Using the 3DVM of FIG. 2 instead of the three chartsof FIGS. 1( a), 1(b) and 1(c) an analyst can perform the same analysiswhile having all of the information available in true 3-dimensions usingone representational image and one location, and the analyst can compareall of the information during a single viewing. This allows for moreefficient use of time, better comprehension, more thorough and completeanalysis and better identification of issues, by allowing for the reviewand comparison of multiple sets of relevant information and thecomparison of one set of information to all of the others, not just oftwo sets of information at a time. Moreover a 3DVM provides moreaccessible and comprehendible information to the analyst than even avirtual 3-dimensional rendering of the same information, because it is atrue 3-dimensional representational image, and not an attempt to foolthe eye into believing it is 3-dimensional

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a virtual 3-dimensionalrepresentational image of a 3DVM according to the present invention thatincludes all of the information provided in the charts shown in FIGS. 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) that is integrated with a real-time display of dataindicating historical share price and sales volume information. In thisexample, the 3DVM is even more powerful since it is integrated with areal-time display that allows the analyst to view the information in the3DVM while keeping track of other information such as, for example,historical pricing information or other types of information, such as,real time pricing information, company news, etc. The informationdisplayed using the real time display can also change automatically orbe changed by the analyst during the analytical process.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a flow diagram of an analyticalprocess according to the present invention. In step 10 the 3DVM isplaced in position for viewing. In step 12, the 3DVM is illuminated. Theanalyst, in step 14, views the information presented by the 3DVM in truethree dimensions. In step 16 an analysis is performed using theinformation presented by the 3DVM.

In FIG. 5 is shown a deployment of a data generating and capturingdevice according to a first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. In certain areas of the world, the terrain is particularlydifficult to navigate by conventional means. Although informationrelating to the above ground features may be captured using photography,radar, Doppler or other means of data collection and capture,information relating to the underground or other non-visible featuresmay be more difficult or impossible to capture using such means. Asshown in FIG. 5, the geography is such that the terrain 20 isparticularly difficult to navigate. The terrain 20 includes manynon-visible features, such as underground caves 22 (both natural andman-made) and caverns. An aircraft 24 releases probes 26, for example,seismic detectors, which are deployed in various locations for thepurpose of capturing data relating to the underground features of theterrain 20, including the location and size of the caves 22. The probes26 may be deployed at the surface or below the surface using groundpenetrating ordinances or other devices, which insert the probes belowground level. The ordinances can be designed to deploy the probes 26 atany desired depth below the surface. Each of the probes 26 maintainscontact with the surface via one or more wires or transmitters that arecoupled to a transmitter 28 at or above the surface. After deployment ofthe probes 26, the aircraft 24 deploys a seismic trigger 30 thatgenerates underground vibrations. The seismic trigger may alternativelybe deployed by any type of missile or by land forces. The seismictrigger 30 can be an explosive device or devices, or a vibrating orvibration generating device, such as, for example, a thumper. Upongeneration of the underground vibrations, the probes 26 capture theinformation generated by the interaction of the vibrations with theunderground features. The information captured by the probes 26 isrelayed to the transmitters 28 located at or above the surface. Thetransmitters 28 transmit the data collected by the probes 26 to one ormore satellites 32, to a receiver located in the aircraft 24, or to someother receiver. The transmitters 28 also may transmit and receive data,such as, for example, time, location, identity, temperature, elevation,etc., at any interval, such as, for example, periodically, randomly,continuously or in response to a signal or stimuli, to a GPS or othertype of system or satellite. The data from the probes 26 is sent to aprocessor 34 where it is processed into image data and from which it maybe stored, or rendered as a representational image 36. The data from theprobes 26 may be combined with visual topographic data collected bysatellites 38 in a single representational image or in a separaterepresentational image for display in conjunction with the topographicdata, using, for example, a hologram generator 40. The probe data mayalso be combined with the other data sent to the satellites 32. The datafrom the probes 26 and other data may also be combined with the visualtopographic data in a single or multiple compound representationalimage(s) or any number of separate representational images. For example,the representational image 36 may include topographical data 42representing the topography 20 and data relating to the undergroundfeatures such as cave data 44 representing the cave 22.

FIG. 6 shows the deployment of a data generating and capturing deviceaccording to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Although the device shown in FIG. 5 is capable of generating andcapturing data relating to underground features, it is limited toidentification of size, shape, density, location and other generaldetails about the underground or non-visible features, it is not capableof identifying details about objects located within the caves or cavernsor underwater. The device according to the embodiment of FIG. 6generates and captures data relating to the specific features of aparticular cave or cavern or other location. A craft 50 for explorationof a cave 52 is equipped with deployable communication links 54. Thecommunication links 54 are deployed as the craft 50 travels to the cave52 and locates the cave entrance 53 and as it navigates the internalpassages of the cave 52. The communication links 54 are placed so as tomaintain an uninterrupted data link with transceivers 56 locatedexterior to the cave 52 for data reception and transmission, forexample, continuous or periodic, to a location outside of the cave 52,including to a base station 58, satellites, or some other location. Thecommunication links 54 may transmit data to the base station 58, forexample, via a communication link 60, such as, for example, cable, RF,microwave, optical or IR, or via some other coupling or communicationmethod or device incorporated within the transceivers 56. The craft 50may include a photographic or video camera, including IR capabilitiesand an IR light source. The craft 50 may also include ultrasoundgenerators and receivers, and components for generating gyroscopicinformation, direction and distance information, GPS, and/or video/audiodata. The base station 58 may also transmit data to the craft 50 tocontrol various features or functions of the craft 50. The variouspieces of information may be generated as the craft 50 travels withinthe cave 52 and can be used to map the cave 52 and provide data forallowing the craft 50 to navigate a return route. Cave data may betransmitted or captured using data storage or transmission devicesincorporated with the craft 50 or located remotely to the craft 50. Thedata collected by the craft 50 or transmitted from the craft 50 may beutilized to generate one or more representational images 62 and may becombined with other information and/or visual or non-visual data, suchas, for example, data about the topography 64 and GPS data, all asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 5 for generating a representationalimage including topographical data 66, and cave data 68.

1. A method using a processor for analyzing data utilizing at least onerepresentational image, comprising: using the processor to convertnon-image data into at least one representational image; generating ahologram using the at least one representational image; positioning thehologram at a predetermined distance from a viewer; and illuminating thehologram to release information therefrom, wherein an analysis isperformed using the released information in combination with a set ofdata.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the viewer is at leastone of a person, a detector and a machine vision system.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the non-image data is Doppler radar data.4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the non-image data is sonardata.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the non-image data isfinancial data.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein thenon-image data is geological data.
 7. The method according to claim 1,wherein the non-image data is flight control information.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the hologram is a compound hologram. 9.The method according to claim 8, wherein the illuminating includesilluminating the hologram from a first angle and from a second angle.10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the illuminating includespositioning the hologram in a first position for a first illuminationand in a second position for a second illumination.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 8, wherein the analysis includes a first analysisperformed from a first position and a second analysis performed from asecond position.
 12. The method according to claim 8, wherein theilluminating includes utilizing a light source having light of a firstwavelength and a light of a second wavelength.
 13. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the non-image data is pre-processed prior toconversion into the at least one representational image.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the set of data is a three-dimensionalobject.
 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the set of data isa two-dimensional display.
 16. An apparatus for analyzing non-image datautilizing at least one representational image, comprising: a processor,the processor converting non-image data into at least onerepresentational image; a hologram, the hologram generated using the atleast one representational image; an illumination device, theillumination device positioned at a predetermined distance from thehologram and providing illumination for the hologram; and an analyzer,the analyzer positioned at a predetermined distance from the hologramwherein the analysis is performed by the analyzer in combination with aset of data.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprisinga display coupled to the processor, the at least one representationalimage presented on the display prior to transfer to the hologram. 18.The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the analyzer is at least one of aperson, a detector and a machine vision system.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the set of data is at least one of a three-dimensionalobject and two-dimensional data presented on an electronic displaydevice. 20-51. (canceled)